At the base level, you don’t need formal qualifications to become a cleaner. That’s part of the appeal—it’s an accessible entry-point into steady employment. However, employers increasingly favour applicants who’ve completed a short course or gained experience, particularly in specialised cleaning environments.
Here’s what helps:
- A White Card: If you’re working on construction sites (which includes many industrial cleaning jobs), you’ll need a general construction induction card (White Card).
- National Police Check: Many cleaning roles, especially in schools, government buildings, or healthcare, require a clean background check.
- Working with Children Check (WWCC): Required if you’re cleaning schools or childcare centres.
- COVID-19 Vaccination: Still a requirement for some health and aged-care related cleaning roles.
Are there courses for cleaners—and are they worth it?
Yes, there are. While not mandatory, a certificate can make you stand out. Employers view formal training as a sign of professionalism and safety awareness. Here are the most common:
- Certificate III in Cleaning Operations (CPP30321): Offers a broad foundation in general cleaning, including safety procedures and working with chemicals.
- Infection Control Training: Particularly valuable for hospital, aged care, or childcare centre cleaning roles.
- High-Pressure Water Cleaning courses: Useful for outdoor and industrial settings.
- Height Safety Training: Required for those working at height—say, commercial window cleaners.
Some employers provide this training on the job, especially for newcomers who show promise.
Do you need experience to start cleaning?
Not necessarily. Many cleaning jobs offer on-the-job training. But if you want to specialise—say in industrial cleaning or trauma cleanups—you’ll need either prior experience or formal training.
Realistically, if you’ve ever cleaned a home, you’ve got the basic skillset. What separates a pro cleaner is consistency, efficiency, and safety awareness.
What skills and traits are employers looking for?
Cleaning isn’t just about mops and sprays—it’s about trust, timing, and technique. Employers seek:
- Reliability: Cleaning often happens before or after business hours. You need to show up on time, every time.
- Attention to detail: Missed a corner? Clients will notice.
- Time management: Cleaners work against the clock.
- Discretion: Especially when working in sensitive environments.
- Physical fitness: It’s hands-on work, with bending, lifting, and standing for long periods.
And here’s a less obvious one: communication skills. Being able to report hazards or request supplies clearly is surprisingly valued.
What’s the difference between domestic and industrial cleaning?
The gap is wider than most expect. Domestic cleaners tidy homes. Industrial cleaners tackle grime, oil, and hazardous waste in environments like factories, warehouses, or food processing plants. It’s tougher, riskier, and often better paid.
Industrial roles typically demand:
- PPE knowledge and compliance
- Working around heavy machinery
- Use of industrial-grade chemicals and tools
- Strict safety procedures
If you’re considering this path, getting familiar with industrial cleaning processes and safety standards is a smart move.
Can cleaning lead to other opportunities?
Absolutely. Cleaning roles can lead to supervisory or managerial positions, especially within commercial cleaning firms. Others go on to start their own businesses—think boutique eco-cleaning services or specialist industrial operations.
And the path upward often starts with mastering the basics and building trust with clients or employers.
What’s it really like to work as a cleaner?
Anyone who’s scrubbed public toilets after a footy match or power-washed a warehouse floor in 38-degree heat will tell you: it’s not glamorous. But it is satisfying.
There’s a unique kind of pride in transforming a chaotic space into something spotless. It’s hands-on, honest work—and it matters more than most people realise.
You’ll often work alone or in small teams. You might be invisible to clients until something goes wrong. But many cleaners develop a kind of quiet autonomy—they run their beat, manage their supplies, and become the unseen glue keeping workplaces functional.
FAQ
Q: How much do cleaners get paid in Australia?
A: Pay ranges from around $23 to $35 per hour depending on experience, type of cleaning, and location. Industrial cleaning and after-hours jobs tend to pay more.
Q: Is there demand for cleaners in Australia?
A: Yes. Especially in aged care, healthcare, and industrial sectors where hygiene and safety standards are non-negotiable.
Q: Can I work as a cleaner if I don’t speak fluent English?
A: Yes, many cleaning roles don’t require high-level English, but basic communication is often necessary for safety and reporting.
Becoming a cleaner might not require a university degree, but it calls for a strong work ethic, safety awareness, and a nose for detail. For those interested in more demanding roles, industrial cleaning offers a more technical, higher-stakes environment where those same traits pay off—even more so.